Rock On with Danny Coleman's music picks

Welcome to my musical world! This is one man’s attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!

On a somewhat regular basis, readers of this space will recall me mentioning my involvement with an epilepsy charity called Candlelight Concerts (www.candlelightconcert.org). This is particularly pertinent because November is “Epilepsy Awareness Month,” and this past Sunday I was fortunate enough to attend the second “Jam For Anthony” held at RHO Waterfront in Trenton, benefitting epilepsy awareness.

Jason Mather, Ernie White & Tom Reock, The John Bushnell Band and Anguished Minds donated their musical talents and time to bringing attention to a disease that kills more people annually (approx. 50,000) than breast cancer or drunk drivers. The afternoon was filled with great music, door prizes, a chinese auction and an outpouring of affections for the Hamilton man who’s name the event bears.

Anthony Jones has been undergoing treatment for severe epileptic seizures for the majority of his young life. A guitarist, Anthony has turned to the instrument to help him get through rough spots and hospital stays after his multiple surgeries. “Anthony has such conviction, focus that I’ve never seen before in a student,” said show opener and Anthony’s guitar teacher Jason Mather. “I’ve had students that I can’t get to practice and here’s Anthony in a hospital bed asking to play his guitar, he’s a special kid for sure. An event like this is beautiful, it shows the power of compassion and humanity, human kindness on display.”

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The “kindness on display” that mather speaks of was not lost on his parents Krista and Bob Jones. “Even (Hurricane) Sandy couldn’t stop the support for Anthony, I’m very, very happy with the turn out. I am so grateful to all of the sponsors and all of the musicians; they’re phenomenal and so kindhearted to give their time on a Sunday afternoon,” said Krista. A sentiment echoed by Bob Jones as well, “Last year was a better turn out, I know for a fact that the storm scared many away but I’m so happy with the amount of people who still showed. I helped pick all of the bands, I love’em! They are doing this from the kindness of their hearts.”

Local icon Ernie White, whose annual Christmas show raised over $14,000 for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen last year and has done so for multiple organizations over the years, gave a spirited solo performance before being joined on stage by the multi-talented Reock. “This was an incredible time jammin’ for Anthony and epilepsy awareness,” said White. “I’m proud to be part of such a great organization. I want to thank Tom Reock and Joe Hoyer for being my band of the day!” Tom Reock also was moved by the event, “It’s an honor to be here, to help the epilepsy cause and the Jones family; it was also an honor to be Ernie’s drummer for a song (laughing). I am so proud to be a musician in the Trenton Area, I’ve lived in several places and the Trenton area is the most generous that I’ve ever been in, both in generosity and music with the musicians so giving of their time.”

Guitarist and area resident Joe Hoyer was instrumental in organizing this event. Joe learned of Anthony’s illness from Anthony and his family patronizing the local music store where he is employed, “I know the Jones family from them coming into the music store, I learned about Anthony’s issues and I asked some of the musicians that I know if they’d be willing to do something to help, that’s how it all started. I had such a good time jamming with Ernie White, such a good turn out and it’s great that these musicians donate their time,” said Hoyer.

The significance of the day was not lost on those in attendance either. Steve Hendrickson who knows the Jones family through a friend as well as their church was very pleased with what he saw, “Today’s benefit, in one word, Awesome! This was such a good time for a great cause, to see Reock, White and Hoyer all jamming together, wow, really good.” Katrine Stumbaugh an instructor at the YMCA who says that she, “asks her class to pray for Anthony every day” had never seen some of the performers. “I never heard Ernie White before. I’m very happy to be here, everybody are such talented performers, such a great day,” she said. Even a woman who is very familiar with a certain performer was impressed with the show. Fiona Reock, wife of the aforementioned Tom said, “What a great day. Even with the impending storm, it’s amazing to see so many people come out and support the cause.” Fiona, who got a chuckle out of seeing Tom play the drums for a song told me, “I wish I had his talent. It’s great to see him playing for this event.”

After a rousing set by The John Bushnell Band, Candlelight Concerts organizer Eric Miller had the “honor” of introducing Anthony’s band Anguished Minds. Miller, who founded the charity after his young wife Carolina died from an epileptic siezure, gave a brief speech on what would’ve been her 27th. birthday. Afterward he expressed his feelings on the day, “To introduce Anthony’s band, the young talent, the legendary talent, all here for such a great cause; to raise epilepsy awareness. This whole thing is a testament to the Jones family, not only to have pulled in their musician friends for the cause but a tremendous event to kick off “Epilepsy Awareness Month.”

Anguished Minds wrapped up the day with Anthony Jones displaying his guitar skills on the RHO stage. Playing classic rock cover tunes and some very well done originals, these four teenaged players rocked the house. I look for some big things from these guys and girl if they continue to go the original route. Anthony’s brother and Anguished Minds drummer Dominic Jones smiled from ear to ear when the set was done, he very enthusiastically summed up the day by saying, “Great event! A great event to raise awareness for epilepsy.”

Also this week: Friday there is an event at Trenton Social located at 449 So. Broad St. in Trenton featuring Timeless Tat2 owner Chris Stumpf as well as several other artists called “Memento Muerte.” This collective art opening inspired by “celebrations of the dead” such as Dia de los Muertos this promises to be a unique evening. Costumes are also welcome, for more information please visit them on Facebook.

Saturday features the usual array of cover bands throughout our area, please check individual venues sites if they are not listed here.

My sympathies to the Jersey shore community as well as all others who felt the wrath of “Sandy” this week. I know that the respective musical communities will rally around one another and do what they can to aid in the rebuilding after the devastation; I wish them well.

I am pleased to announce that my radio program, “Rock On Radio” has once again been nominated for an “Asbury Music Award.” I am both honored and flattered and I look very much forward to attending the ceremony on November 8 at The Stone Pony on Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park. To see a complete list of nominees please go to www.asburymusicawards.com .

That’s it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and as always until next week...ROCK ON!